As mid-motors with full support get lighter and more compact, companies focused on the light-support segment are being challenged. Two strategies emerge: some suppliers aim to further reduce the weights of their e-drive systems while others add more power to keep a competitive edge.
As the mid-drive motors of the latest generation of full-support e-drive systems are getting lighter and closer to the 2.5kg mark, many are wondering if there still is a place for light-support e-drive systems on the market. This concept sacrifices some torque and watts in favor of lower weights of the e-drive system and the complete e-bike. And it is meant to convince all those who consider full-support e-bikes too heavy and too cumbersome and the support they offer too intrusive for their riding experience. As the market leader in mid-drive motors, Bosch eBike Systems entered this segment for the model year 2024 with the launch of the Performance Line SX system that gets a slight power upgrade for the next model year.
Before that, the light-support segment had been dominated by the likes of Fazua, Mahle, Maxon and TQ Group as early movers, with Bafang offering a suitable product with the M800 as well. While Mahle put the motor in the rear hub to build a low-key e-drive system mainly for e-road bikes and e-gravel bikes, Fazua, Maxon and TQ Group all went for a mid-drive motor. The way these brands are reacting to the challenge of full-support systems weighing less and less is tightly linked to where they decided to put their motors. The TQ Group and Maxon, two suppliers that have opted for mid-drive motors, are rolling out more powerful second generations of their respective light-support e-drive systems at this year’s Eurobike, while suppliers betting on hub motors are looking for ways to shave more weight.
TQ Systems entered the light-support segment in 2022 with its distinctly compact TQ-HPR50 mid-drive system. Its motor unit owed its dimensions to the patented Harmonic Pin Ring technology and facilitated an elegant integration of the mid-drive unit in various frame designs. At this year’s Eurobike, TQ Systems launches the second generation of this system called TQ-HPR60. At 60 Nm, it cranks out 20 percent more torque than the initial version, and at 350W the peak power is also 17-percent higher. As for the battery TQ Systems has three options to choose from: the small unit has a capacity of 290Wh, the mid-sized unit comes with 360Wh and the large battery adds extra range for long rides with a capacity of 580Wh.
All relevant data are shown on a 2-inch OLED color display integrated in the toptube, with a minimalist handlebar switch to select support modes. Thanks to the system’s improved cooling, the electric support is now even more efficient. TQ Systems claims to offer the lowest weight in the light-support segment—with a weight of 3.525kg—but this number pertains to the smallest of the three batteries. The focus of TQ Systems remains on the feel when riding an e-bike equipped with the TQ-HPR60 system. Thanks to its quiet operation, almost no lag in engagement and no drag when coasting, this e-drive system delivers subtle support when needed without being intrusive. Finally, its compact size allows for a seamless and elegant e-bike system integration.
Maxon, another pioneer of the light-support segment, is launching its second-generation e-drive system at Eurobike called Bike Drive Air S. A look at the numbers shows that Maxon is upping the support to counter more lightweight full-support systems. Rather than delivering 40 Nm in its first iteration, the Bike Drive Air S maxes out at 88 Nm of torque and a power of 620W. That is close to some full-support competitors. Still the drive unit only weighs 1.98kg and is easy to integrate into the bottom bracket area of a frame thanks to its compact dimensions. Living up to its sporty DNA, this mid-drive motor delivers its maximum support at high cadences and thus rewards an active pedaling style.
As for the batteries, Maxon offers the choice of either a 400Wh or a 600Wh in-tube unit, with the former weighing in at 1.8kg and the latter 2.8kg. There’s a range extender that adds another 250Wh. With the minimalistic mode selector on the handlebar and the HMI integrated in the toptube, the Bike Drive Air S system weighs under 4kg with the 400Wh battery and under 5kg with the 600Wh battery. According to Maxon, this still results in a decent range as the motor unit has a claimed efficiency of 83 percent. Thanks to the emphasis on proper heat management, the motor should not get throttled easily either. And keep in mind that Maxon relies on Swiss engineering and local sourcing and production.
With its X20, X30 and X35 e-drive systems, Mahle Smart Bike Systems relies on compact, lightweight hub motors and slim in-tube batteries. This makes them a popular choice for e-road bikes and e-gravel bikes. While Eurobike’s spotlights are on Mahle’s first mid-drive motor offering, its XS System also deserves a mention. By combining its new generation of hub motors with a range expander, a controller and some sensors, you get a convenient kit to electrify existing bicycle designs. With the Mahle Gateway, the company also has launched a bit of hardware that allows for the integration of other components, with Pinion’s Smart Shift gearbox leading the way.
Founded as a subsidiary of leading chain manufacturer KMC in 2021, Kynamic first focused on offering services to other e-drive suppliers before launching its own systems. Its E-Pure system weighs less than 3kg and resembles Mahle’s XS System, as it combines a thru-axle hub-motor with 250W power and 30 Nm of torque with an external battery with a capacity of 180Wh. This battery fits into a bottle cage and the controller and HMI are built in. Through Bluetooth you can also display all relevant data on your smartphone’s screen using Kynamic’s e-bike app.
Having entered the e-drive market as a developer of HMIs and software for others, Hyena upped its game by offering complete e-drive systems of its own during the pandemic. As a new product ideally suited for e-road bikes and e-gravel bikes, its MRC-F250 thru-axle hub motor weighs only 2kg, works with top-tier 12-speed cassettes and delivers 250W of power and 35 Nm of torque. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the hub motor hides well between the brake rotor and the cassette. As for the battery, HMI and controller, Hyena offers a wide selection of options.
Wheels specialist Formula Engineering has decided to use the Hyena Drive System as software solution for its Nebhula e-drive system. Thus, you get advanced power control, intelligent software connectivity and comprehensive after-sales support. The Nebhula thru-axle hub delivers 250W power, can be ordered to fit j-bend or straight-pull spokes and is compatible with XD, XDR and Microspline drivetrains. This makes the Nebhula system a good choice for e-gravel bikes and sporty e-trekking bikes.